National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega says the raid at a Jeppestown hostel overnight is the first of many which will be carried out province by province.
The dramatic raid led by the police but supported by the army was a response to the flare-up of xenophobic violence which has claimed at least seven lives.
The police's Kay Makhubela said dagga and stolen goods were seized.
"Eleven people were arrested for these crimes. We will be continuing operations like these around Gauteng."
Phiyega described the presence of the soldiers as a "force multiplier".
"Anyone who doesn't see force in a combination of the police and defence, must be blind." (sic)
Phiyega says the raids will send a message that the police are "taking back the streets".
Floor by floor, room by room, dozens of police officers searched the hostel.
Heavily-armed tactical teams led the way by kicking down doors and forcing those inside out into the corridors.
Once the hostel was secure, and all the rooms inspected, police officers gathered outside to take stock of what was confiscated and to deal with those who were placed under arrest.
Soldiers waited patiently outside and sealed off the entire area.
There was no resistance to the raid, but once police and army began leaving the scene, hostel dwellers began venting their anger by shouting from the staircases and windows.
